rookie draft | The Baseball Zealot

Three Illini Signed

Some news regarding Illini draftees:

It came out today that Illinois CF Kyle Hudson who went early, the fourth round, has reached a contract agreement with the Baltimore Orioles. He plans to play for their Class A team in Aberdeen, MD by next week.

Illini hurler Scott Shaw, drafted by the New York Mets in the 13th round, has signed a contract with them complete with a $30,000 signing bonus.

Tanner Roark who started for the Illini until he was forced off the team this year because of academic ineligibilty, was signed by the Texas Rangers. The Rangers drafted Roark in the 25th round.

Congrats to all three!

Illini hurler Shaw goes in second day of MLB draft

Shaw facing off against Michigan at the 2008 Big Ten Tournament

The scouts must have been paying attention during the Illinois-Michigan game at the Big Ten Tournament because Illinois pitcher Scott Shaw was chosen #404th overall in Friday’s MLB’s first-year player draft. Though Shaw lost that Michigan game, he pitched a heck of game.

Shaw was chosen by the New York Mets with the pick and was the second Illini picked in this year’s draft. CF Kyle Hudson was picked by the Baltimore Orioles in the 4th round during the first day of the day.

Roark (right) with one of 2007’s Illini draftees, Lars Davis after their only 2007 Big Ten Tournament win

Also of Illini note, former pitcher Tanner Roark was selected by Texas. Roark was set to be Illinois’ top starter this year but was dropped from the team due to academic ineligibility. He was picked #753 overall.

Congrats to both of them.

Big Ten Hardball has the full list of all Big Ten players who were drafted from Day 1 and Day 2.

Illinois’ Hudson chosen 116th overall in today’s draft!

Hudson went in the 4th round today

Before I get on to the overall draft, I want to extend congratulations to University of Illinois CF Kyle Hudson. He was chosen 116th overall by the Baltimore Orioles in the fourth round of today’s baseball draft.

As a junior, I guess the ball is in his court as to whether he signs or continues with the Illini. That said, with this high of a pick, I wouldn’t be surprised if we see Kyle in the Orioles’ farm system soon.

Congratulations to Hud and his family!

Purdue’s Josh Lindblom was the highest Big Ten player picked today. He was chosen #61 overall by the Dodgers. Also picked from the Big Ten was Penn State’s Drew O’Neil (#120 by the White Sox), Purdue’s Ryne White (#138 by the Dbacks), Michigan’s Jason Christian (#154 by Oakland), Michigan’s Zach Putnam (#171 by the Indians) and J.B. Shuck (#182 by the Astros).

Hudson awaiting Draft Day

Speed is one of Hudson’s assets.

University of Illinois CF Kyle Hudson will be watching draft day intently tomorrow. No doubt, he’ll be snatched up by the time everything’s done. Where he goes is anyone’s guess but some say he may go as high as the 3rd round.

Hudson ended the 2008 campaign with 40 steals and a.398 batting average. It may be his .498 OBP that looks good to scouts though.

The local college rag, The Daily Illini, had a nice feature article on Hud. One thing I didn’t know about him… he’s a Cubs fan. Awesome!

U. Illinois’ Hudson awaits pro chance at MLB draft– The Daily Illini via Big Ten Network

2006 MLB Draft Wrapup: High schoolers make a comeback

Well, after everything was said and done, it seems that those prospects from high schools made a resurgence in the second day of drafting. So much so that the 36% from high schools was actually higher than the average.

Still, there were more college players taken this year (900+) than in any other year. Add to that the fact that many of the high profile college players were picked in the higher rounds.

MLB.com has a listing of relatives picked in the 2006 MLB Draft. Interesting maybe, but relevant? I’ll let you decide.

Who is Hochevar’s agent? Would it surprise anyone to find out it was Scott Boras? Luke H. says:

“I’m going to bust my tail to make them [the Royals] extremely happy,” Hochevar said. “That [his contract] is in [agent] Scott Boras’ hands and obviously mine as well. We want to be treated fairly and the Royals are a great organization and they’re willing to get it done, so we’re excited to proceed and move forward with this. It sounds like the Royals are ready to get it done and get me out playing.”

I keep going back to The Baseball Analysts for draft analysis but that’s because they do it so well. This one is by Bryan Smith.